This week, many people will be on the road driving to be with family and friends for a special day of remembrance and thanks. It is suggested more people will be driving to join others for the festive celebration known as Thanksgiving Day than in the last few years. That remains to be seen.

As families gather for the big day on Thursday, there is always lots of good food and family time in which to celebrate the day. Looking back over many Thanksgiving Day meals, the most remembered thing is the fact that after lunch one is stuffed full of food and needs to find a relaxing place to take a nap. As people gather on Thursday, I wonder how many will take moments to share with each other the things for which they are the most thankful.

It is easy to get caught up in the preparations, either the food or the drive to be with family and forget the real reason for the day. We are told that we are living in a day of selfishness and greed in our nation. We are being told by some that the rich people have too much and the greedy ones want to keep others from having any success. It would be great if for just one day instead of thinking about what we do not have or how we want to get something from someone else, that we take the time to reflect upon the real blessings of life and that which would truly make us thankful.

Is it the family gathering we like the most? Is it the food we will stuff into our bodies that motivates us to take the day to celebrate? We could go on with many more questions about Thanksgiving Day; instead let us reflect upon the blessings of life that should bring up a genuine attitude of thanksgiving. We all know some people who live their life in a negative way not being willing to express a simple thank you when someone has shown them kindness. That type of person must have great difficulty their entire life.

Whatever has happened to us in this last year, let us find reasons to be thankful. Let us discover the attitude of gratitude will propels us into a positive way of viewing life rather than living in the dumps of depression and despair. Let me suggest that we take the time to reflect upon life and the blessings that have come our way in order to develop a positive attitude and spirit as this day approaches. It is true, bad things do happen to all of us; that is life and that is real. The reality, however, should be when we measure life in balance we discover that more good happens than bad. From where I stand my list would begin with living in the greatest and most free nation on earth as one of the blessings for which I am thankful.

How will you spend Thanksgiving Day this year? Tell us in comments. 

Follow Ray Newman on Twitter — @RayNewmanSr.